Dr. Talimeren Ao, first captain of independent India's Olympic football team, died at Kohima, Nagaland at the age of 80 years in September 1998.
Born in Changki village in Nagaland's Mokuchong district, Dr. Ao, a barefooted player led the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympic Games. Dr. Ao retired as director of Nagaland Health Service in 1978 and devoted his time to promotion of sports in the North-East. One of the stalwarts of Indian football, five decades ago, Dr. Ao representated Mohun Bagan from 1943-52. For two years he was captain of Bagan. He made his debut as a schoolboy for Guwahati's leading outfit, Maharana Club. A legendary sports icon in the North-East, Dr. Ao studies medicine at the RG Kar Medical College, Calcutta. The highlight of his football career was representing India on several occasions and captaining the team in the 1948 London Olympics.
Paying tributes to Dr. Talismeren Ao, another stalwart of a bygone era, Sailen Manna says that, "Ao was a hardworking player with a superb sense of timing in his tackles and a great team-man.
An example example of this selfless spirit was evident in the 1950 Durand Cup final between Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad City Police. In one of the finest Durand finals ever played, Bagan led their opponents 2-0 when midway through the second half, their goalkeeper K. Datta was injured and carried off. In those days substitutions were not allowed. Ao who was playing as one of the half backs (he could even play as a defender) at once changed his jersey and played in Dutta's place. He performed heroically even though Hyderabad City Police drew 2-2 and went on to win the replay 1-0. In his playing career Ao was the epitome of a devoted and committed team-man.